Author: healthtost

Cancer treatment often brings about changes that go far beyond the diagnosis itself. From physical side effects to emotional changes that can affect how you feel about your body, the experience can be challenging and deeply personal. Understanding what to expect and knowing what support is available can make the journey more manageable. Oncology Nurse Navigator Shelisa Cager explains some of the most common changes you can expect during treatment and highlights supportive options that can help you manage these changes while maintaining your well-being throughout your cancer journey. Common physical side effects of cancer treatment Cancer treatments can affect…

Enriching the diet with wheat fiber protects mice from intestinal inflammation, according to a study published by researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) at the University of Georgia. The finding explains why the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased and suggests that eating whole grains may reduce the risk of developing it. The work, which refers to two research papers – in journals Scientific progress and mucosal immunology – investigated the effect of wheat fiber, which is present in wholemeal and wholemeal bread but mostly absent from “white breads” and other products made from refined flours.…

There is a lot to look forward to this month. For starters, as I write this, we’re experiencing early signs of spring (hello, warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine!) across the country. Additionally, Mercury goes direct on March 20, meaning technology and communication glitches, as well as any frustrating delays, are likely to clear up. Read on to see what specifically is in store for you this March, based on your zodiac sign. (Hot tip: Also read the ‘range for your rising sign’ for an extra dose of useful insight.) Your March wellness horoscope is not packed Aries (March 21…

Anxiety is a constant companion in the oncologist’s office. It appears at the time of diagnosis, increases with each stage of treatment, and often does not subside even after the official end of treatment. It accompanies treatment decisions, waiting for test results, fear of relapse and changes in daily functioning. Studies show that chronic stress can trigger biological processes that promote disease progression and weaken the body’s defenses. This perspective is presented in a systematic review prepared by researchers from the Medical University of Wroclaw, published in 2026 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The authors analyzed data for four…

Drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day was associated with a modest reduction in heart failure risk in this updated meta-analysis, with the lowest estimated risk at 1 to 2 cups, and the strongest message is moderation, not excess. Basic foods Drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day was associated with a moderately lower risk of heart failure in this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. The lowest estimated risk was seen at 1 to 2 cups daily, but the evidence for a true J-shaped dose-response pattern was suggestive and not conclusive. The available analyzes found similar…

If you’re in your 50s and notice that sex has become painful—or your libido has seemingly disappeared—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common (and least talked about) experiences women face in midlife. The good news: this isn’t permanent and it’s not “just part of age” that you have to accept. There are real science-backed reasons behind these changes — and more importantly, there are effective solutions. Why does sex become painful in your 50s? Painful sex in your 50s is most often associated with hormonal changes, especially the decline in estrogen that occurs during perimenopause and menopause.…

If you spend even five minutes researching skin care, you’ll quickly notice one ingredient pop up over and over again: retina. Dermatologists recommend it. Beauty editors swear by it. And brands are building entire product lines around it. But retinal products can also be confusing, especially with so much conflicting advice about how to use them, when to apply them, and how often they should appear in your routine. Well, we make it simple. Because when used correctly, Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients you can add to your skin care routine. – helps smooth texture, smooth fine…

Here are some personal updates! Happy spring! As we transition from winter to spring, I thought now would be a good time to write some life updates! Many of you have asked me one by one how I’m doing. In short: I’m doing well! I liked living semi-alone (the contrast between when I’m alone and when the boys are here is about 100 decibels!) According to Google: “Two children shouting typically produce sound levels between 80 and 100+ dB, easily exceeding the 85 dB limit where hearing damage may occur with prolonged exposure”. HA! But seriously, I love having all…

For more than a decade, Ukrainian children have grown up with war as a constant backdrop. According to the researchers, the psychological consequences are now becoming clear. A comprehensive review of 37 studies finds that Ukrainian children and adolescents exposed to a decade of war experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), internalizing and externalizing symptoms, suicide and self-harm. An international research team led by the Research Center for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku, Finland, reviewed the available evidence on the mental health of children and adolescents from Ukraine. Their scoping review combined findings from 37 studies…

Can you hold your breath until you burst for another breath? This urgent feeling of needing to get more air is called “air hunger”. You may feel this sensation when you exercise vigorously and push yourself to your limits. Your breathing will usually return to normal quickly once you stop exercising yourself. But some people—like those living with lung disease or severe stress—often experience air hunger in their daily lives. Air hunger, sometimes described as “suffocating” or “suffocating” from lack of air, can be incredibly painful. And it can be hard not to panic. So what helps if you’re feeling…